Emerald Shed rating - yes or no?

[Mr Magoo]

I'm considering buying a shed rating with Emerald.
Has anyone got the lowdown on job prospects with Emerald (or any of the other Shed users?).

I'm NOT interested in silly tangents starting about "don't pay for type ratings" etc - there are plenty of those crappy threads here already. What I want are FACTS from guys who have done it.

My profile - if it helps - is 1200Hrs, not much multi time, MCC done, instructor, age 42

Thanks in advance

Magoo

[rotatrim]

I know someone who did the Shed rating with Emerald a few months ago and was offered a job with another Shed operator shortly after finishing. I understand that he would have gone into the Emerald pool otherwise. Age, late 30s, I believe. I don't want to name the operator.

[srjumbo]

Why not just do the 'ARB' (written part). It's cheaper!

[AIRWAY]

Hello,

Out of curiosity, how much is a shed rating with Emerald?

Thanks
Airway

[No_Speed_Restriction]

Personally, I would get an ATR rating. Better job opportunities.
Not that I'm biased or anything. Then again, I am. In fact disregard!

[Artificial Horizon]

Mr Magoo,

Hows it going. I know someone who did the Emerald type rating three months ago. Four of the people on the course, one went straight to BAC and another went to Aulringhy, the two that were left are in the holding pool for Emerald and have been told they both have jobs..... Only problem is these jobs have yet to materialise, they keep being told maybe next week or the one after. At the end of the day it would seem that it works for some and not for others, just be aware there are no guarantees of a job at the end and the hold pool is already growing for very few jobs.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Mr Magoo]

Hi AH, good to see you still surf the 'ole pprune.

Yeah - it's a difficult call allright, but at my advancing age it's getting to be last chance saloon time - if I don't get a TP job soon I reckon it's game over for Magoo here.

Does your mob still operate the ageist recruitment policy espoused by a certain person who's name is the same as a river and a city in the UK?

If he's seen sense I might invest a CV in him again!

You got your LHS yet?, if so can I have front right?!

Cheers

Magoo

[MercenaryAli]

At your age?

With 1200 hrs and little multi time at the age of 42 why on earth do you even want to fly sheds? Go get a rating on a jet of some kind it would cost not alot more and be more practical. However, don't you think at 42 your a bit old to be all dewy eyed about aviation? You would be better off investing your money in some hairbrained get rich quick scheme 'cos you won't get rich flying!!
And never forget there are lots of "steely blue eyed blonde" young Top Guns in their early twenties also after the job you seem so desparate to have. Save your money, it just isn't worth the heartache.

[Flypuppy]

Magoo,

Check your PM's.

[srjumbo]

Don't listen to Mercenary Ali. If you want to do it, then do it. His profile is 'driver airframes from NY'. If he does and work in the US then things out there aren't so great as the US public are still on 'high alert' and are afraid of their next door neighbour never mind travelling, which leads to the US airlines being in difficulty.
Here in the UK things are better. The British public, as you know, have lived with the threat of terrorism for years (IRA curtailedits activities thanks to their funding being stopped from the US sympathisers) and are not afraid to travel. Plus with the amount of low cost carriers there seems to be lots of jobs out there for those who are willing to relocate and make the effort.
Get yourself a rating if you can afford it. Forty two, if that is your age isn't that old. I've flown with guys who started flying later in life than you.
There would be nothing worse than turning sixty two and wishing you had even tried twenty years previously!

[Special Limitation]

Do not listen to MercinaryAli. I was also given the same advice at the tender age of 40 in (if possible ) even ruder terms. I have had a great life in aviation by totally ignoring such rubbish. Remember the 'top guns' are the most unhappy and discontented bunch you will find. They want quick commands, the best conditions, everything the way they want it, but they are NEVER happy. With your attitude and age I would suggest you will get more pleasure out of flying than they could possibly comprehend. It will take a bit more effort but I found tenacity came easier with age. Once you can convince a CP you are there for the long haul I am sure you stand as good a chance as any of getting a break.

[Eagles Forever]

The job opportunities with a 'Shed' rating will be very limited. Go for the ATR or better still the B733. See www.skyblueaviation.co.uk

Good luck - I wish I was as young as you!

[AA717driver]

srjumbo--Not to thread hijack but you are off base on travel in the US. The planes are relatively full. (Most people are figuring there will be another successful attack on US soil but the odds are good that they won't be affected.)

The financial problems are with the companies that have high debt loading and higher-than-LCC costs. ATA is the exception to that and they have other problems.

There are more travellers now than before 9/11--they are just paying 25% less than before.TC

[Bigscotdaddy]

I started my commercial flying at 42with less hours than you, and still going strong.

It's always going to be a gamble, but if your prepared to take the risk it can be very rewarding.

[Tosh McCaber]

Unless you have a pretty well cast iron guarantee of a job (ie, you know someone inside with influence), do NOT waste your money on a type rating, especiallyon a Shed.